N109bn fraud: Suspended AGF, others re-arraigned before another judge

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday re-arraigned suspended Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, and three others before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over an alleged N109.5bn fraud.

Other defendants are Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.

They were first arraigned on July 22 before a vacation judge, Justice Adeyemi Ajayi, on 13 counts bordering on misappropriation of N109.5bn.

However, upon the resumption of the court, the case was transferred to Justice Yusuf Halilu.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their not-guilty plea, counsel for Idris, Chris Uche (SAN), prayed the court to allow the defendants to continue to enjoy the earlier bail granted them by the court on July 28

He submitted that they have been complying with their bail conditions.

Counsel for other defendants aligned themselves with Uche’s application and submission.

The EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, did not object to the application.

Ruling on the application, Justice Halilu held that bail is a constitutional right of a defendant.

He, however, directed that defendants submit their passports to the court’s registrar.

The judge added that if the documents were with the prosecution, they should pass the same to the registrar.

Justice Halilu adjourned the case until November 23 for a hearing.

Agency report.